“I obviously have seen no evidence of illegal voting,” McCain told CNN on Wednesday morning. “But my focus has been on national security, getting Gen. [James] Mattis in as secretary of Defense, working with [CIA Director Mike] Pompeo, doing those issues that are national security."

"He said 3 to 5 million 'illegals' voted so that's why he lost popular vote," a Democratic aide told The Hill.

McCain said he had long learned not to focus on all of Trump’s statements, adding he was currently focused on the president’s Cabinet nominees.

"A long time ago, honestly, I've stopped reacting to everything that the president has stated and try to work on the issues and the people who he is going to surround himself with who I am very pleased with as far as national security is concerned,” the Senate Armed Services Committee chairman said.